Georgetown : This Friday, March 2nd, Guyanese will be observing and celebrating the Hindu Festival of Phagwah. The public is being reminded to take to necessary health precautions.
It has been observed that people would use water from nearby trenches, drains and gutters to play Phagwah instead of water from the taps.
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), through its Environmental Health Department, is asking persons to desist from such acts.
Principal Environmental Health Officer, Abigail Liverpool, in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), disclosed that using dirty water can result in serious illnesses and skin infections.
“We have to be very careful because the trench water are often times contaminated from effluent that is coming from pit latrines and septic tanks, and they contain bacteria and micro-organisms which can make people sick.”
She added that in some areas through Guyana, the use of ‘trench water’ and mud is a common norm. However, she said that if a person comes into contact with dirty water while observing Phagwah, there are immediate actions that must be taken to prevent illnesses/infections.
“In the event, should anyone ingest dirty water you should try to consume a lot of water, pure water so that it helps to flush it out…same thing when it comes to the dirty water getting on their skin or the trench water getting on their skin. Wash it off properly, with clean water and soap.”
The health official reminded that the ministry upholds the mandate of good health and wellness for Guyanese, whether through work, play or otherwise healthy habits must be adopted, resulting in the achievement of a healthier nation.
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